2021 NFL Draft: Ranking a loaded crop of OTs after Penei Sewell
By Scott Gorman
The quarterbacks and skill position player rankings are out, and now it is time to move on to the “big uglies”. The offensive line rankings start this week, and that begins with the offensive tackles. This is a deep and talented group, offering a multitude of options in the first round and through the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Take a look below as I rank the top-10 of the OT class for the 2021 NFL Draft, showcasing why this may be the strongest of the OL groups available. Teams always need protection up front, and the offensive tackles available in this cycle could provide stability on offense for years to come.
Penei Sewell top OT of 2021 NFL Draft
As a former top recruit and menacing presence at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Penei Sewell has dominated defenders on his way to top prospect status in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is an outstanding prospect and one that offers elite run-blocking ability with the ability to anchor on the left side for the next decade.
Like many others in 2020, Sewell opted to forgo this past college season and enter the 2021 NFL Draft early. Despite the abbreviated career in Oregon, Sewell has plenty of fan-fare as a complete player and instant starter at the NFL level. He could be in play as early as the third pick to the Miami Dolphins.
2. Christian Darrisaw – Virginia Tech
There is much debate among experts about the number two offensive tackle prospect behind Oregon’s Sewell. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater was considered here, but I gave the nod to Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw as the number two OT. He has the size and strength to start right away and should hear his name called early on day one of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Darrisaw really improved his draft stock this season, anchoring an impressive running game for the Hokies that finished top-10 in yards-per-game. He’s a top ten-caliber player that will start right away and anchor for the next ten years outside. Darrisaw was a three-year starter at Virginia Tech. He is a great technician for the position with true franchise left tackle potential.